FreshBooks vs Insightly
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
FreshBooks
FreshBooks is an accounting and invoicing platform designed specifically for freelancers, self-employed professionals, and small service-based businesses. It is known for its exceptional ease of use and beautiful invoicing tools. FreshBooks focuses on making accounting simple for non-accountants who just need to track income, expenses, and get paid quickly.
Insightly
Insightly is a CRM and project management platform designed for growing businesses. It uniquely combines sales pipeline management with post-sale project delivery so teams can manage the full customer lifecycle in one place. Insightly is popular with professional services firms and companies that need to track complex projects alongside their sales pipeline.
Pros
- ✓Easiest accounting software to learn and use — ideal for non-accountants
- ✓Beautiful, professional invoice templates
- ✓Built-in time tracking and project management
- ✓Excellent mobile app for tracking expenses on the go
Cons
- ✗Not suitable for product-based businesses needing inventory management
- ✗Limited features for complex accounting needs
- ✗More expensive than competitors for what you get on lower tiers
- ✗Payroll requires third-party integration
Pros
- ✓Unique combination of CRM and project management in one tool
- ✓Good free plan for up to 2 users
- ✓Strong workflow automation on paid plans
- ✓Good fit for professional services businesses
Cons
- ✗Interface feels dated compared to modern CRM tools
- ✗Customer support can be slow on lower tiers
- ✗Mobile app is less polished than competitors
FreshBooks vs Insightly: Side by Side
| Factor | FreshBooks | Insightly |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $19/mo | Free |
| Best For | Freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting | Growing businesses that need CRM and project management in one platform |
| Our Pick | — | — |
FreshBooks Features
- ✓Invoicing
- ✓expense tracking
- ✓time tracking
- ✓project management
- ✓payments
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓bank reconciliation
- ✓mobile app
- ✓client portal
Insightly Features
- ✓Contact and lead management
- ✓pipeline management
- ✓project management
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓email marketing
- ✓reporting
- ✓integrations
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose FreshBooks if freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting. Choose Insightly if growing businesses that need crm and project management in one platform.
Best For
Freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting
Best For
Growing businesses that need CRM and project management in one platform
Also Consider
If neither FreshBooks nor Insightly is the right fit, Dext is worth evaluating.
Dext
Bookkeepers, accountants, and businesses with high receipt volumes wanting to eliminate manual data entry
From $15/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between FreshBooks and Insightly?
FreshBooks is best for freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting. Insightly is best for growing businesses that need crm and project management in one platform.
Which is better, FreshBooks or Insightly?
Choose FreshBooks if freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting. Choose Insightly if growing businesses that need crm and project management in one platform.
How much does FreshBooks cost?
FreshBooks starts at $19/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Insightly cost?
Insightly starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use FreshBooks?
Freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting
Who should use Insightly?
Growing businesses that need CRM and project management in one platform